ISRO Resourcesat-1 Mission: Objectives, Launch Date, Status, UPSC Notes

India’s space programme, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has evolved from modest beginnings into one of the most respected space agencies in the world. Over the years, ISRO has designed and executed a range of missions—from satellite navigation, Earth observation, interplanetary exploration, to solar studies—that have not only enhanced India’s technological self-reliance but also contributed to global scientific collaboration. Its cost-effective approaches and mission diversity—from Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan to Aditya-L1 and the upcoming Gaganyaan—have become case studies in innovation.

For UPSC aspirants, ISROs journey is more than current affairs—it directly intersects with the syllabus of General Studies Paper 3 (Science & Technology), provides examples for GS Paper 2 (International Relations, Governance), and can enrich perspectives in the Essay Paper, Ethics, and even Optional subjects like Geography or PSIR. In this article, we will explore detailed insights about ISRO Resourcesat-1 Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO Resourcesat-1 Mission Overview

Resourcesat-1 mission aligns with ISRO’s objectives in Earth Observation, contributing to mission-specific capabilities and outcomes.Resourcesat-1 was configured for deployment in Earth, based on mission requirements.

• For this mission, Resourcesat-1 was placed into orbit using PSLV-C5.
• All pre-launch procedures were conducted at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
• The key mission goal of Resourcesat-1 was to Multispectral Earth imaging for resource management.
• The mission also targeted supporting objectives like Agricultural monitoring, disaster management support.
• The mission has reached the stage classified as Mission completed (succeeded by Resourcesat-2).

Resourcesat-1 Space Mission Overview for UPSC
Mission Name	Resourcesat-1
Mission Abbreviation	IRS-P6
Mission Type	Earth Observation
Target Celestial Body or Orbit	Earth
Primary Objective	Multispectral Earth imaging for resource management
Secondary Objectives	Agricultural monitoring, disaster management support
Mission Status	Mission completed (succeeded by Resourcesat-2)

Get Free Materials for UPSC Preparation by Testbook!

📚 Exclusive Free UPSC Notes Created by Our Experts

Subjects	PDF Link
Download Free Ancient History Notes PDF Created by UPSC Experts	Download Link
Grab the Free Economy Notes PDF used by UPSC Aspirants	Download Link
Get your hands on the most trusted Free UPSC Environmental Notes PDF	Download Link
Exclusive Free Indian Geography PDF crafted by top mentors	Download Link
UPSC Toppers’ trusted notes, Now FREE for you. Download the Polity Notes PDF today!	Download Link
Thousands of UPSC aspirants are already using our FREE UPSC notes. Get World Geography Notes PDF Here	Download Link

Timeline & Milestones of ISRO Resourcesat-1 Mission

• The mission timeline of Resourcesat-1 began with its launch on October 17, 2003.
• According to available documentation, Resourcesat-1 has a planned operational life extending to December 7, 2013 (nominal, services continued).

Timeline & Milestones
Proposal Date	N/A
Critical Design Review (CDR) Date	N/A
Assembly Complete Date	N/A
Launch Date	October 17, 2003
Landing / Flyby Date	N/A
End of Primary Mission Date	December 7, 2013 (nominal, services continued)

Checkout: Daily UPSC Current Affairs for your upcoming exam and get thorough with detailed Insights, Trends and Latest Developments for UPSC CSE Exam

ISRO Resourcesat-1 Mission Technical Specifications

As a Earth Observation mission, Resourcesat-1 was built around a configuration involving 1360 kg lift-off mass, IRS-series bus.ISRO confirmed that Sun-synchronous polar orbit, ~817 km altitude would allow IRS-P6 to fulfill its planned data collection and signal transmission roles.

• The mission architecture included LISS-IV, LISS-III, AWiFS that would support both operational needs and scientific data acquisition.
• Resourcesat-1 relied on Advanced multispectral imaging sensors to fulfill its technical goals.

Technical Specifications
Spacecraft Technical Specifications	1360 kg lift-off mass, IRS-series bus
Scientific Payloads	LISS-IV, LISS-III, AWiFS
Orbit Details	Sun-synchronous polar orbit, ~817 km altitude
Communication Frequencies / Band	N/A
Key Technologies Used	Advanced multispectral imaging sensors

Download UPSC Previous Year Question Paper PDFs for UPSC Prelims & Mains!

Resourcesat-1 Launch Information

• On October 17, 2003, Resourcesat-1 was sent into its designated orbit.
• PSLV-C5 served as the launch platform for Resourcesat-1.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota served as the location for the mission’s liftoff.

Launch Information
Launch Vehicle	PSLV-C5
Launch Site	Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

ISRO worked together to deliver the mission objectives.

Stakeholders & Collaboration
Agencies Involved	ISRO
Commercial Partners	N/A
International Partners	N/A
Payload Contributions by Partners	N/A
Data Sharing Policy	N/A

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO Resourcesat-1 Mission

Among the outcomes of IRS-P6, Provided high-resolution data for over a decade stands out.Resourcesat-1 contributed to the national space data repository by providing Earth observation data for diverse applications.

• Agriculture, land/water resources, disaster management reflects the broader civilian value of Resourcesat-1.
• Resourcesat-1 supports sectoral priorities and government initiatives through Resource monitoring, food security.
• Following the milestones achieved under Resourcesat-1, ISRO has outlined potential developments such as RESOURCESAT-2, RESOURCESAT-2A to build a more robust mission series.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of Resourcesat-1 Mission
Data Outputs and Applications	Earth observation data for diverse applications
Major Achievements	Provided high-resolution data for over a decade
Applications in Civilian Life	Agriculture, land/water resources, disaster management
Impact on Policy & Global Collaboration	N/A
Environmental Impact & Sustainability	N/A
Strategic Significance & Policy Alignment	Resource monitoring, food security
Follow-up Missions or Extensions	RESOURCESAT-2, RESOURCESAT-2A
Cost Estimate	N/A

ISRO Resourcesat-1 Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

Risks, Failures & Mitigation
Challenges Faced	N/A
Risk Mitigation Measures	N/A
Failures or Anomalies	N/A
Corrective Actions Taken	N/A
Lessons Learned	N/A

UPSC Relevance of ISRO Resourcesat-1 Space Mission

• The UPSC Prelims aspirants benefit from tracking ISRO developments, as topics like launch vehicles, mission objectives, and payload types are common in factual and concept-based questions.
• Incorporating current ISRO developments into GS answers can elevate them from generic to analytical, showing depth in understanding and real-world application.
• Missions like Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission), which combined low-cost execution with high-impact outcomes, reflect the ethical dimensions of responsible innovation.
• Anthropology or Sociology students can reference ISRO’s outreach programs and applications for tribal development, education, and telemedicine.

Past UPSC Mains PYQs on ISRO Space Missions

Q1. Discuss the role of the private sector in the growth of the space industry in India. How has the governments policy of 2023 affected it? (2023, GS Paper 3 - Science & Technology)

Q2. What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (2022 & 2019, GS Paper 3 - Science & Technology)

Q3. Space has been the next big frontier for mankind after sea and land. In this context, discuss Indias policy and preparedness for space wars. (2019, GS Paper 3 - Science & Technology)

Q4. Discuss the utility of the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) for India. (2016, GS Paper 3 - Science & Technology)

Q5. What do you understand by Standard Positioning Systems and Precision Positioning Systems in the GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites. (2015, GS Paper 3 - Science & Technology)

Past UPSC Prelims PYQs on ISRO Space Missions

Q1 [2025]: GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?

I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management.
III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) I, II and III
(b) II and III only
(c) I only
(d) I and II only

Correct Answer: (d) I and II only

Explanation: Statements I and II correctly describe the core purpose and benefit of the GAGAN system. (I) GAGAN is designed to augment GPS signals by correcting for errors, which provides much greater accuracy and guarantees the integrity (reliability) of the positioning information. (II) This enhanced accuracy and reliability directly enables more precise aircraft routing and landing procedures, thus improving the uniformity and quality of air traffic management.

Q2 [2022]: If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?

1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
(b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
(c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

Answer: The correct answer is (c).

Explanation: A major solar storm can disrupt GPS, power grids, satellite orbits, polar radio communication, and cause auroras, but cannot trigger tsunamis or forest fires.

Q3 [2020]: The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to

(a) Voyager-2
(b) New horizons
(c) Lisa Pathfinder
(d) Evolved LISA

Answer: The correct answer is (d) Evolved LISA.

Explanation: Evolved LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) is a planned space-based gravitational wave observatory by ESA and NASA, using three spacecraft in a triangular formation with laser beams to detect cosmic gravitational waves.

Q4 [2016]: Consider the following statements:

The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO

1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
3. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: c) 1 and 3 only

Explanation: Mangalyaan is the informal name of Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), launched by ISRO on 5 November 2013 and India is the only nation to date to have succeeded on its maiden attempt.

Enroll in our UPSC Civil Services Exam (Prelims) 2026 Mock Test Series for targeted practice, realistic exam simulation, and strategic insights.

UPSC Practice Questions on ISRO Space Missions

Q1. Which of the following statement is incorrect regarding ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network ISTRAC system?
1. The major objectives of the center is providing Telemetry, Tracking and Command TTC services from launch vehicle lift-off till injection of satellite into orbit.
2. ISTRAC is responsible for developing radar systems for launch vehicle tracking and meteorological applications.
3. ISTRAC has a network of ground stations located across India only.
4. ISTRAC has been mandated to provide space operations support for Deep Space Missions of ISRO.
Answer: Option 3
Solution: The major objectives of the center include providing Telemetry, Tracking, and Command services from launch vehicle lift-off till injection of the satellite into orbit, and developing radar systems for launch vehicle tracking and meteorological applications. However, statement 3 is incorrect because ISTRAC has a network of ground stations located across India and in other countries, including Brunei, Indonesia, and Mauritius.

Q2. Consider the following statements about the XPoSat satellite:
1. The XPoSat was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO via the PSLV-C58 mission.
2. This mission makes India the first country to launch an X-ray polarimeter satellite.
3. XPoSat carries two payloads, named POLIX and XSPECT, for research in space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: Option 2
Solution: Statement 1 is correct as XPoSat was launched by ISRO via the PSLV-C58 mission. Statement 2 is incorrect because India is not the first country to launch an X-ray polarimeter satellite; the second nation to do so. Statement 3 is correct as XPoSat carries two payloads for research.

Q3. Consider the following statements about the Megha-Tropiques-1 MT-1 satellite:
1. It was a joint Indo-French mission launched in 2011.
2. ISRO conducted a controlled re-entry of the satellite in March 2023.
3. This action aligns with UN guidelines for minimizing space debris.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: Option 3
Solution: All three statements are correct. The Megha-Tropiques-1 satellite was indeed a joint Indo-French mission launched in 2011, and ISRO conducted a controlled re-entry of the satellite in March 2023, which aligns with UN guidelines for minimizing space debris.

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding POEM-3:
1. It is a space platform that uses the spent PS4 stage of the PSLV-C58 vehicle that launched XPoSat on January 1, 2024.
2. Used for the first time in the PSLV-C53 mission in June 2022, ISRO had POEM orbit the earth as a stabilised platform to perform in-orbit scientific experiments with various payloads.
3. Developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre VSSC as an inexpensive space platform, POEM uses the spent fourth stage of a PSLV rocket as an orbital platform.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: Option 3
Solution: All three statements are correct. POEM-3 is a space platform that utilizes the spent PS4 stage of the PSLV-C58 vehicle, was first used in the PSLV-C53 mission, and was developed by VSSC.

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding ISRO's efforts to mitigate space debris:
1. The PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission of ISRO has achieved a zero orbital debris milestone by transforming the last stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV into the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 POEM-3, which was later made to re-enter Earth's atmosphere.
2. POEM-3 served as an orbital platform for in-orbit scientific experiments and was powered by solar panels and a lithium-ion battery, with a dedicated navigation, guidance, and control system.
3. ISRO has established the Space Situational Awareness Control Centre to protect its assets from collisions with space debris and has been proactive in the development of technologies for in-space refueling, de-orbiting of old satellites, and satellite life extension through start-up initiatives like Manastu Space.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. All of the above
Answer: Option 4
Solution: All statements are correct. The PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission has achieved a zero orbital debris milestone, POEM-3 served as an orbital platform, and ISRO has established a Space Situational Awareness Control Centre.

Q6. Consider the following statements about Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment MOXIE:
1. It is developed by ISRO.
2. It can generate oxygen in Mars.
3. It was one of the payload of Mangalyaan mission.
How many of the statements are correct?
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: Option 1
Solution: Only statement 2 is correct as MOXIE can generate oxygen on Mars. Statements 1 and 3 are incorrect as MOXIE was developed by MIT and is not part of the Mangalyaan mission.

Q7. Consider the following statements about Atmospheric Waves Experiment AWE:
1. It is ISRO mission to study the interactions between terrestrial and space weather.
2. It is planned under Chandrayaan 3 Mission.
3. It will be launched and mounted on the exterior of the Earth-orbiting International Space Station ISS.
4. It will measure the airglow at mesopause.
How many of the given statements are correct?
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four
Answer: Option 2
Solution: Statements 3 and 4 are correct. AWE is not an ISRO mission but a NASA mission, and it is not planned under Chandrayaan 3.

Q8. Which of the following are key objectives of ISRO's Analog Space Mission in Ladakh?
1. Simulating conditions for an interplanetary habitat to test life-support systems.
2. Testing the feasibility of sustainable extraterrestrial bases for future Mars and Moon missions.
3. Studying the impact of high-altitude environments on space-grade materials and equipment.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3
Answer: 1, 2, and 3
Solution: All statements are correct as the mission aims to simulate interplanetary conditions, test sustainable bases, and study high-altitude environments.

Q9. With reference to the SpaDeX mission, recently seen in news, consider the following statements:
1. The SpaDeX mission is a collaborative effort between ISRO and NASA to demonstrate in-space docking technology.
2. The mission will make India the second country in the world to achieve in-space docking capabilities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: The SpaDeX mission is an independent ISRO program and not a collaborative effort with NASA. It will make India the fourth country to achieve in-space docking capabilities.

Q10. Consider the following statements regarding the safety protocols followed during human spaceflight, particularly in the context of ISRO's Gaganyaan mission:
1. The Crew Escape System CES on ISRO's human-rated launch vehicle is designed to pull the crew module away from the launch vehicle in case of a malfunction, using solid fuel engines.
2. The Gaganyaan crew module, in orbit, will use onboard thrusters to attempt reentry in case of an emergency and control its descent.
3. After docking with a space station, the crew module remains docked and serves as a lifeboat for the crew in case of an emergency aboard the station.
How many of the above statements are correct?
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: Option 3
Solution: All three statements are correct. The Crew Escape System is designed to pull the crew module away in case of malfunction, the crew module can use onboard thrusters for reentry, and it serves as a lifeboat after docking with a space station.

Subject-wise Prelims Previous Year Questions
Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims	Polity PYQ UPSC Prelims
Environment PYQ UPSC Prelims	Ancient History PYQ UPSC Prelims
Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims	Medieval History PYQ UPSC Prelims